Article: City's first rail span eyed for bikes and pedestrians

A rusting railroad bridge over the Elk River could be one of the city's greatest historic treasures. But aside from a handful of historians and trail enthusiasts, almost no one knows about it.

That could soon change, as the city of Charleston has hired engineers to see whether what is called the Whipple Truss can be rehabilitated for pedestrians and bike riders as a link between the West Side and downtown.

"Everyone I talk to, when I say we'll turn it into a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, says, 'You can't. They still use it for trains," said Dennis Strawn, co-chairman of the city's Greenways Committee and member of Friends of Kanawha Trestle Trail.

"I say 'There's a second bridge,' and they ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!